Moving mistakes to avoid
What not to do when moving
With so much to prepare when moving from house to house, it's inevitable that you'll make a few mistakes, and with so many different parts involved in the process, moving mistakes are almost inevitable.
Being aware of some of the mistakes that can be made when moving can help you avoid the mistakes that so many people have made in the past. To avoid falling victim to these mistakes, let's take a look at some of the most common mistakes.
Hire the best movers
If you decide to hire a moving company to help you, you should do your research beforehand.One of the most common mistakes in moving is choosing the wrong moving company.
Make sure the company is licensed and check for referrals and customer feedback. It is important to get a quote for the cost of the movers. Also, make sure that the quote is binding or non-binding. You can get a quote online, but you may end up with a higher bill than you expected when it comes time to pay.
If you’re relocating out of state, choosing the best long distance moving company is important, and Maximum Real Estate Exposure has great resources to help you make a smart decision.
Screening movers is one of the most important tasks you'll do when buying or selling a home — and it's also one of the most serious moving mistakes you want to avoid.
Not giving yourself enough time
Packing takes longer than you expect. If you've lived in your current home for years, you've likely accumulated more stuff than you thought possible. If you pack in a hurry, there's a good chance that some items won't make it to your new home intact.
Part of preparing for a move is knowing where to get the moving boxes you need before you move. Maximum Real Estate has a great resource that lists 27 places where you can get moving boxes, and you can learn about both free and paid options.
Also, if you want to make packing easier, don't forget to label your boxes.
address change
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is not changing their address early enough, or not doing it at all. Can you imagine missing an important IRS document or doctor's bill because you didn't forward your mail properly?
You'll need to update your information with your utility companies and have your mail forwarded. This should be done well before you move. Ask your utility companies how much time they have to prepare your new home.
In many cases, your address change can be updated online, as can the USPS. It's important to know who to notify of your address change. This RISMedia article has a wealth of information on which organizations to notify.
Do it all yourself
The moving mistake to avoid is trying to do too much on your own.
Moving, even if you're only moving a short distance, can be more complicated and difficult than you expect.
Trying to do everything yourself to save money can end up costing you more in the end. Moving heavy furniture can easily cause bodily injury if you are not accustomed to it. You are more likely to damage your furniture and you may end up wishing you had hired professional movers.
Make sure you understand the pros and cons of hiring a moving company versus doing it yourself, as you may find it too much hassle and not worth it.
Handling of valuables
If valuable items were damaged during the move, could you have done anything to prevent it?
Generally, removal companies will not cover the cost or be held responsible for valuable items damaged during transport, so make sure you have enough insurance to cover the value of your items.
Your most expensive possessions will be best packed and transported in a way that will prevent them from breaking.
sort out
The less stuff you have to move to your new home, the less likely you are to have a messy move. Take this opportunity to organize your home, and you'll also reduce the shipping costs.
Not only will this reduce the hassle of packing and unpacking, but you can also donate any unwanted items to charity. Make an inventory of the items you've left behind to ensure nothing is lost during the move.
Keeping your home clean while moving is an important task that will pay dividends in the long run.
Measuring the size of things
Will your furniture fit in your new home? If you don't measure, you could face problems on moving day. Large pieces of furniture may not fit through doors or up stairs. Don't leave it to chance.
If you have any furniture that you can't use in your new home, consider donating it to a charity. There are many organisations that will accept furniture donations. Not only will it help ease your burden, but you'll also be helping someone in need.
Thinking about pets and plants
When preparing to move, it's easy to overlook the other living creatures in your home.
If you're only moving a short distance, can you leave your pet with someone for the day? If you're moving to a new state, will your pet be comfortable during the trip? Do you have the paperwork for your pet that you'll need when crossing state lines?
Moving plants to a new state can also be difficult; some types of plants may have restrictions, so check beforehand. If the plant is in a delicate pot, we recommend transplanting it into one that is more suitable for the move.
Survival Kit
Pack a bag with the items you will need on moving day and for the next few days and make sure everyone has it. This bag should be given to everyone to make sure things go smoothly.
The kit contains toiletries, medicines, cash, important documents, and anything else you might need. Having a survival kit is a great help when moving, especially if you have children.
Final thoughts on the move gone wrong
Buying and selling a home can be a lot of fun, but it's easy to make mistakes that waste time and money. We hope these moving tips are helpful and help you avoid the common mistakes that many people make.
Other Helpful Moving Resources
About the Author: The above article on moving mistakes to avoid was written by Bill Gassett. Bill has worked in the real estate industry for the past 33 years. He is employed by RE/MAX Executive Realty in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Bill is passionate about providing reliable information to help buyers, sellers, and fellow real estate agents make the best decisions possible. His writing has been featured in RIS Media, National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Placer, Today.com, Credit Sesame, and more.
About Rochester Real Estate Blog: Rochester Real Estate Blog is owned and operated by Kyle Hiscock of the Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group. With over 40 years of combined experience, we are happy to share our knowledge and expertise with you if you are looking to sell or buy.
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